Evaluating Resources: Checklist

Evaluating Resources Checklist

The research you need for academic papers and other projects requires the use of databases and other online resources to compile information into a bibliography. This bibliography, or list of references, will be materials such as books, journals articles, and Internet sites on your topic.

No matter what the format of your selected information resources, it is necessary to look at them with an evaluative and critical eye. Below is a checklist of criteria which can be used to evaluate print and electronic resources.

Authority

Who wrote it?

What are the author's credentials?

Web pages are frequently not signed. If not, consider the next point.

Is it backed up by an authoritative source, such as government agency, professional association, or education institution?

CRAAP Test

CRAAP is an acronym for the general categories of criteria that can be used to evaluate information you find. Developed at the Meriam Library at California State University-Chico, the CRAAP Test is a list of questions to keep in mind as you evaluate your sources.